Category Archives: A&E

A&E

‘The Summoning’ entices fans of the supernatural

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By Lauren Holstner

Readers who like supernatural stories then should read The Summoning by Kelly Armstrong. It is an amazing book that will make them thirst for more.

Have you ever wanted to have supernatural powers? Well, meet Chloe Sanders. She once had a normal life, until she could see dead people and they saw her. It all started on one nice afternoon. She went to school, and she was taken out on a stretcher, screaming.

A ghost had attacked her, but no one would believe her, so she ended up in the Lyle House, a place for troubled teens with mental problems. With medication, a new friend, and the kind nurses she should be able to stop seeing the ghosts. Well, maybe.

As her life at the hated Lyle House goes on she discovers many things that could happen, and all the Lyle House skeletons may just be her downfall. As her stay continues she discovers the mysteries that surround the place and its horrifying secrets, along with the secrets of her fellow supernatural house guests.

From things being not what they seem to extreme problems that will have you wanting more, this book is a great read. With page-turning events in almost every chapter, I love how this book keeps the reader guessing and wishing for more. I was not able to put it down until I finished it and now I cannot wait to read the rest of the series, which consists of five books.

Love ghosts? Love werewolves? Love sorcerers? Then this is the book for you.

A&E, Alyssa Book, Weekly Playlist

Weekly Playlist: Grammy Style

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By Alyssa Book and Chase Gosman

This week A&E is popping it and locking it with a playlist inspired by the Grammys. Songs include nominees from this year along with previous nominated tracks.

1) “Poker Face” by Lady Gaga (2009)

2) “Make It Mine” by Jason Mraz (2009)

3) “Hey, Soul Sister” by Train (2010)

4) “The Only Exception” by Paramore (2010)

5) “Paradise” by Coldplay (2011)

6) “Pumped Up Kicks” by Foster The People (2011)

7) “Firework” by Katy Perry (2011)

8) “The Cave” by Mumford & Sons (2011)

9) “Someone Like You” by Adele (2011)

10) “Moves Like Jagger” by Maroon 5 (2011)

A&E

CHERUB excites columnist

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By Lauren Holstner
 
Do you love spy novels involving teen spies?  Then CHERUB: The Recruitby Robert Muchamore is the book for you.  This book is one of the best spy novels I’ve read in a while, and I can’t wait to read the rest of the series.In CHERUB James is pretty much an orphan, though he does have a little half sister named Lauren.  He gets scouted for CHERUB, an elite spy school that sounds more like boot camp.  He has to learn everything and go through 100 days of intense training.  Even though CHERUB is the name of there school, no one knows what it stands for, not even the headmaster, who even asks students to help them figure it out.This book is full of action at every corner, from their training, to their trip to Malaysia, and even foil a plot to kill hundreds of people.  I loved all the action and adventure, this book makes you think what even James Bond went through. Since Muchamore used to be a private investigator his knowledge of the subject really shows in his writing.

This is a great read for anyone looking for a new exciting book filled with action, adventure, romance, and of course teen spies.


A&E

Pop Rocks! : 2012 Grammy Predictions

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By Jared Murray

This year’s Best Pop Solo Performance category is more of a dumping ground for the most popular songs of the year rather than a heated race between the actual best pop songs of the year. Songs nominated in the category include: “Someone Like You” by Adele, “Yoü And I” by Lady Gaga, “Grenade” by Bruno Mars, “Firework” by Katy Perry and “F***in’ Perfect” by P!nk.

British singer Adele has had a record breaking year, both in album sales and chart performance. Her plaintive second single “Someone Like You” garnered her much critical acclaim and commercial success thanks to her large fan base of forlorn teenage girls. Her simple yet emotive performance definitely makes her a contender for the award.

Lady Gaga’s “Yoü And I” finds the pop star in her natural habitat: heartbroken and playing the piano. While that combination may boring to some, the result is truly a genuine sounding pop song from a woman known for being anything but. Featuring some top-notch belting from Gaga, and honky-tonk vibe along with an impressive guitar solo from Queen’s Brian May, “Yoü And I” is not a song to underestimate or sing along with quietly.

Another song about love, “Grenade” by the smooth singing Bruno Mars is the only song sung by a male to be nominated in this category this year. The synth-driven song finds Bruno trying to make his lover feel bad for their lack of dedication in the relationship. Despite the excellent vocals and an irresistible chorus, “Grenade” is unlikely to be a serious contender for the coveted gramophone.

Whether you like it or not, Katy Perry had a stellar year. Her self-empowerment single “Firework” is a delectable slice of dancepop that had everyone singing their heads off. Sadly, even the song’s catchy beat could not save itself from some questionable lyrics (plastic bags, really?) and Katy’s near-yelling vocals in the chorus. Hopefully her nomination was not meant to be serious, especially when looking at many better pop songs having come out last year.

Following the trend of self-love anthems seen this year, P!nk’s “F***kin’ Perfect” is a fun and energetic song from one of pop music’s veterans. Clearly written for her fans, the sometimes electropop song doesn’t have many distinct characteristics to set itself apart from everything else on the radio today, making it an extremely unlikely winner.

My predictions:

Who Will Win: “Someone Like You” by Adele

Who Should Win: “Someone Like You” by Adele

Dark Horse: “Yoü And I” by Lady Gaga

A&E, Alyssa Book

‘Ashes’ to play next weekend on Studio One stage

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By Alyssa Book and Lauren Holstner

Sarcasm and cynicism come to the FC stage next weekend in the form of the play “Ashes.”

The play, which will feature a variety of FC thespians, will be performed Jan. 27 at 7 p.m. and Jan. 28 and 29 at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m.

The play has eight different scenes, which all center around a common theme: cremation.

“It’s got funny things, serious moments and it’s unusual. It’s a variety of things,” said directer Chris Bundy.

Junior Laura Duncan said, “It’s set up like each scene has a different plot. The scenes are all connected through the theme of cremation.”

The theater students are excited to perform the play because it is based off of things that have happened to Bundy.

“Well, since I wrote it, it’s fun to see the things you wrote come to life and some of the things happened to me. So it’s fun to watch students act it out,” said Bundy

The play is described by Duncan as being sarcastic and putting humor to situations that are not normally humorous.

Senior Erica Mohler, who plays Elizabeth in the “Ashes,” said the show has a great concept and although preparing for the play in only two weeks was stressful, it was a learning experience and helped her with time management.

Duncan and Mohler both commented on how the show is a great opportunity for the underclassmen performers.

Mohler said, “Bundy added scenes to the play to give underclassmen more opportunities. It is a great way for them to gain experience and grow in acting.”

“Ashes” will be performed on Jan. 27-29 and begins the last semester of plays directed by Bundy, who will retire at the end of the school year. Tickets are $10 for adults, $8 for senior citizens, and $6 for students.